Canadian Man Dies In Belize

An investigation has been launched into the death of a Calgary man who died in Belize after he was found unresponsive in a jail cell, 660 News reports.

According to a statement from Belize’s police department, Jeffrey Donald Furgala was under the influence of alcohol when he was detained on Saturday in San Ignacio. The statement says the 35-year-old was kept in custody for his own safety and was not able to provide his address.

He was found unconscious with blood in his nose on Sunday and taken to hospital. Furgala was scheduled to undergo surgery but died.

The Belize police department’s website states that witnesses in other prison cells said they heard loud sounds, like that of someone falling, followed by loud snoring.

Patrick Jones, a news producer in Belize, said there have been multiple incidents involving individuals in police custody which is why there is some suspicion around this incident, CTV news reports.

The Belize police department has been launched a criminal and internal investigation.

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• Mexico has long been a popular destination for Canadians who love warm weather and sandy beaches. Every year, approximately 1.5 million Canadians travel to the Spanish-speaking country. However, dozens of Canadians have been killed or injured while visiting Mexico in the last few years.

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• Adam DePrisco

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Canadian Man Dies In Belize